The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1887-08-04
A WOMAN'S SPITE.

word laid her hand on his arm; q
minute later they had joined the
dancers.
As they moved in perfect step to
throbbing music that filled the air,
Kate could feel Roy's heart beating
heavily, and the clasp of his hand grew
close and tender.
In complete silence they finished
their dance; but as they paused
near a window, Roy bent down to his
companion.
my darling, I cannot let you leave
my arms" he whispered passionately.
A wild thrill ran through the girl;
the crimson blood swept over her cheek,
but she bravely lifted her eyes to his,
with all her heart in them.
There was a flash of light in his
dark eyes while his heart exultingly
said:
"Wonw
He drew deep breath; he dared not
speak, but stood with close-set teeth
mastering himself.
The silence was broken by the ap.
pearance of gentleman, who claimed
Kate for the next waltz.
Roy watched her as she moved away,
his love plainly shining in his eyes,
entirely unconscious that other flashing
angry eyes were watching him.
Just outside the window. sat girl
with clenched hands and set teeth, and
heart sick with anger. She had
heard that passionate whisper, and the
knowledge that the man that she
worshiped had given his love to
another reused in her the widest
fury.
marry her / would like to see you"
she muttered Between her teeth. '.If
l am not to be your wife, neither shall
she. All, my dear sir, l will wiring
your heart this night-ay, now"
'.Mr. Palmer" she called.
At the sound of his name, Roy turned
and saw the young lady who had drawn
aside the curtain.
"Why, Miss Merrill, how can you re-
sist that music?" he said, as he stepped
through the low window.
Il am so tired" she returned. ''And
it is so deliciously cool here, that ]
stayed to rest"
She was mistress of all the arts and
wiles of finished woman of the world,
and she used all her skill to keep him
by her side.
Bright and witty, her comments upon
things and people amused Roy in spite
of himself
..Ah, there goes Kate Neviller she
exclaimed. as Kate appeared in sight.
"HOw beautiful she looks tonight By
the way, what has become of Mr..
Stanley, who was so attentive to her
the winter before last? Do you re-
member him?"
Roy bit his lip; but, forcing down his
annoyance, he answered:
81 know Stanley well, but I never
heard that"
"Did you spend the winter in Men
tone two years agoP" asked Cora.
81 was abroad all that winter" said
Roy.
.tWell, spent two months there.
met Miss Neville everywhere. and Mr..
Stanley was her shadow, much to my
surprise, for had always credited him
with more sense"
What do you meanp" asked Roy.
"Why, / was puzzled to know what
attraction such a girl could have for a
man so refined as Mr.. Stanley. She
made no secret of her fondness for
cigarettes, and myself have seen her
drink more champagne than many men
would venture to take at one time, and
yet Mr.. Stanley seemed determined to
win her."
''And did he succeed?" asked Roy.
Large drops of perspiration stood
thickly on his forehead, and his hands
were clenched.
II suppose he would, if he had not
dropped her so suddenly. No one ever
seemed to know what the trouble was,
but there is no doubt that one of her
mad escapades thoroughly disenchant:
ed him. He left the city very sudden
ly. and Miss Neville was followed
everywhere by another suitor. How
ever think it was lesson to her, for
she has been more circumspect this
winter. All, here comes my partner,
and expect you are delighted, for
fear have bored you nearly to extine,
tion!"
And with a gay little laugh, Cora
Merrill swept away, fully conscious OF
the anguish she left behind her.
Poor Roy! he fell straight into the
trap. He never for a moment be-
lieved the girl would deceive him; and
vet it seemed impossible that Kate,
whom he had believed to be almost
perfect, was deceitful, bold, and coarse.
As he entered the room he came face
to face with Mrs. Latimer, an old
friend of his.
20, Roy you are just the one Iwant!
You must go with us in our yachting
trip l do not intend to take refusal.
1 am so disappointed that Mr.. Stanley
cannot join us as he expected"
Here was an opening for him to es-
cape meeting Kate.
Instantly he accepted the invitation,
then said somewhat abruptly:
''Mr. Stanley was at one time, / be.
lieve, a great admirer of Miss Neville?"
Mrs. Latimer appeared greatly en-
barrassed.
THAT was an unfortunate affair,
which 1 hoped was forgotten" she
answered, and then passed on to another
topic.
Neither Kate nor Cora saw Roy